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Posts from November 2007

Droolworthy Iceboxes

Droolworthy Iceboxes published on

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Life is so unfair! Prices for these Klondikerf Iceboxes start at $4450, plus options, crating and shipping. I guess that means I won’t be getting one any time soon. Never say never, though. These custom commercial refrigerators for the home can be built in oak, maple, cherry or hickory.

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The Roseland Icebox Company offers 2 models, the Sears and the McCray. They also offer panels for really expensive high end refrigerators such as Sub Zero or Viking. Their hardware is gorgeous, but alas, the $500+ price tag for a set is more than I’d want to spend on the entire fridge.

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market

Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market published on 8 Comments on Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market

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After reporting on the upcoming Brooklyn Flea Market, I couldn’t believe how many people said to me “Oh, 26th Street is gone? I didn’t know that.” Well, here’s the deal…

The 26th Street parking lot which was home to the Annex Flea Market no longer exists. They paved paradise and put up a luxury condo. There is still a smaller market on 25th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Around the corner from that remains the Antiques Garage, located at 112 W 25th Street. Open weekends.

The original Annex of 26th Street has moved to Hell’s Kitchen. Located on 39th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, it’s open Saturdays and Sundays.

Kapeesh?

Affordable NYC: Ocean Hill

Affordable NYC: Ocean Hill published on

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I covered Bed Stuy proper here, but Bed Stuy is only semi affordable. Ocean Hill is a subsection of Bed Stuy and you’ll find that home prices are close to $300k less expensive than prime Stuy.

Obviously, there are reasons for this. For one, although the crime rate is at an all time low, the neighborhood can still be shady in spots.

Ocean Hill is farther east (away from the city) than Bed Stuy. However! There exists a choice of train lines. The A, C, J and Z lines run though the neighborhood and it is not far from the Broadway Junction, where these lines meet up with the L at one of the largest hubs in Brooklyn.

Housing stock is not as grand as neighboring Stuyvesant Heights, but there are still older bricks, brownstones and limestones with details intact. Many newer homes have been built on the empty lots that infested the area during the downturn of the 60’s-90’s and older homes are being restored.

Newcomers are moving into the area, which has been populated largely by African Americans. An increasing number of Asians, Hispanics and Whites are discovering Ocean Hill.

Amenities are not yet there. You won’t find cute cafes, gourmet markets or chic clothing shops. Yet.

NY Times
Parks
Historic Photos
Habitat’s Affordable Green Condos

Zen & Art of Dumpster Diving

Zen & Art of Dumpster Diving published on 3 Comments on Zen & Art of Dumpster Diving

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I caught this on Dot Earth via Treehugger.

A Zen Buddhist Temple in Ann Arbor, Michigan goes dumpster diving to raise money for their temple. They polish up the items, whether it be clothing or furnishings and sell it at their annual yard sale.

From this article, I found the Environmental Report which lead me to the Wiki How Tips on Dumpster Diving.

A few cardinal rules:

* Do not leave a mess!

* Know the law. Sometimes trash is considered private property and homeowners or businesses can call the cops.

* Be careful. There could be broken glass and other sharp objects. And rats.

* Wear the right cloths. Bring a car. Clean all items thoroughly.

* Late night and early mornings are best.

I’ve found doors, coffee tables, a newell post and paintings in the trash. My favorite find was the highly detailed Victorian toilet someone threw out in Park Slope. I nearly caused an accident stopping for that one!

Hudson Historic Preservation

Hudson Historic Preservation published on

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Copied and pasted this from my inbox. How lazy am I?

The Hudson River Heritage has been asked by the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to help bring people out for a very important meeting that will ask residents to provide input for the State’s 2007-2011
Historic Preservation Plan.

The goal is to identify how to incorporate historic preservation into cost-effective environmentally-friendly community improvement and economic development activities, such as the redevelopment of existing resources, energy,conservation and smart growth initiatives.

A Mid-Hudson Valley meeting will be held in Kingston on November 15, 2007, 6:30 p.m., City Hall, 2nd Floor
Common Council Chamber, 420 Broadway.

OPRHP is planning a second set of meetings to be held in New York City, Cold Spring Harbor, Ithaca, Waterford, and Yonkers, to be announced soon.

NYS Preservation Planning

Affordable Burb: Ossining

Affordable Burb: Ossining published on

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Another Hudson River town for your consideration.

When you think of Ossining, perhaps you think of Sing Sing prison. You kind of can’t miss it when you’re there. It’s huge. And the prisoners have the best view in town. Unlike other river towns, the housing closer to the water is somewhat less valuable because of the prison. If you want waterfront property and don’t mind William “What’s the frequency Kenneth” Tager being your neighbor, you’re in luck!

Ossining is less than an hour from Grand Central on Metro North. The town is diverse in both it’s population and housing stock. It’s one of the few remaining Westchester towns that isn’t a fancy schmancy rich suburb, but rather a melting pot of cultures and economic variety.

Many of the structures in town are on the National Register of Historic Places. The village itself is quite a quaint, colorful experience. The housing stock is well varied. Let’s just say there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer a fabulous turreted Victorian, a run down fixer upper, a McMansion or a ranch.

Home prices are varied as well. However, as you can see from the listings, one can still find a home for under $400k… even under $300k.

2005 Times Article
Village of Ossining
Hudson Valley Arts & Science
Chamber of Commerce
Historical Society

Hacking Ikea

Hacking Ikea published on

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Over on Ikea Hacker, there’s a great renovation of a 1950’s Eichler home by Greenmeadow Architect’s Mark Marcinik.

In the above photo, the bar is made of doors parts, three cabinet boxes and Ikea cover panels. The translucent window in the red wall is another Ikea door. The stainless steel sliding doors against the wall are Ikea cover panels hung on sliding door tracks.

If you’re going to try this at home, don’t forget to hit the damaged section first for bigger discounts!

Ikea
Ikea Fans

DIY: Squeaky Floors

DIY: Squeaky Floors published on 1 Comment on DIY: Squeaky Floors

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Before anything, try a quick fix. Pour some baby powder into the grooves. Don’t vacuum the mess on the floor because you don’t want to remove the powder between the cracks. Wipe it up with a damp rag.

If that doesn’t work, there are a couple of companies that make easy DIY products specifically for stopping creaks. Squeak No More and Squeak Ender each get good reviews. But really, you can just do it yourself with some screws, shims and scrap lumber.

First of all, determine exactly where the squeak is coming from. It could be loose boards or the joists underneath.

If you can view the floor from underneath, try to find gaps between the floor and joist. If any exist, put some glue on a shim and knock it in there. Not so much that the floor pops up! For extra support, drive a screw at an angle up through the joist, shim and into the sub floor. And um, make sure it doesn’t go all the way through the floor above.

If it looks like your joist is sagging, you’ll need to support that. Squeak Ender is a brace for such a job. Or you can bridge between the joists with a 2×6. Or screw in support against the joist.

Can’t get underneath? Good for you. That makes the job even easier. Squeak No More makes a Countersnap Kit in which the screwheads automatically snap off when driven into the depth control fixture. Alternatively, all you need to do is drill tiny pilot holes at angles and drive finish nails or screws through the floor, catching the sub floor below. You can fill the holes with wood putty when done.

Easy 2 DIY
This Old House
Be Jane

Lowering The Lid Just Got Easier

Lowering The Lid Just Got Easier published on 1 Comment on Lowering The Lid Just Got Easier

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Neatorama lead me to this Weird News article.

9 year old Iowan, Jake Wulf invented a foot activated toilet seat lifter which he named the “Privy Prop”. That beat out “Jake’s John Jack” which I actually prefer.

He created the handy device for his school’s Invention Convention, with the help of his dad who designs equipment for a living. Jake built the base out of plywood, then cut thin pieces of steel and fashioned a teeter-totter at the bottom. Step on: seats lifts. Step off: it closes.

The item was such a hit at the fair that he got a call from the Ellen Degeneres Show. His interview will air on Friday.

I know I’m saying the same thing wives and girlfriends are saying everywhere….”Where can I get one for my man?”

Brooklyn Flea Market

Brooklyn Flea Market published on 1 Comment on Brooklyn Flea Market

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From Brownstoner yesterday:

Coming this April, Brownstoner will be organizing a new flea market in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn. Based on the now defunct 26th Street Market in Chelsea, the weekly flea will feature antiques, salvage and vintage items. They are also toying with the idea of having a local organic food court.

Council member Tish James has been helping with the project, which will be held every Sunday in the 40,000 square foot school yard of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School.

How psyched am I? So psyched that I sent in my registration for a space. Reclaimed Home participated in Brownstoner’s Salvage Fest back in September 2007 and it was a great success.

Brownstoner is accepting vendor applications now, so if you’re interested….

Brooklyn Flea

Reclaimed Chestnut Countertop

Reclaimed Chestnut Countertop published on

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So, when I was having fun on Houseblogs I came across an old photographer buddy’s site. Renovator’s Diary chronicles Brooke’s renovation of an 1860 house in Sag Harbor. I’ve only known Brooke as a talented photographer, but hey, she’s got some great design ideas as well!

I was particularly impressed with their choice of kitchen countertop. Brooke and Josh used reclaimed wormy chestnut, which they treated with a solvent free linseed oil.

DIY job. And you know what I’m thinking? Perhaps you can use leftover planks from a floor installation, which means the countertop would be F-R-E-E!!

Counters. Part I
Counters. Part II

Hipsters:It’s Funny Cuz It’s True!

Hipsters:It’s Funny Cuz It’s True! published on 3 Comments on Hipsters:It’s Funny Cuz It’s True!

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Oh my gosh! I ran across Die Hipster via a comment on Curbed. It’s so hateful. So vulgar. So friggen funny!

This is from a post yesterday:

Starting January 1st, 2008 all self proclaimed artists would have to pass through Ellis Island if trying to move here from another state.

….(must) be checked for:
– ability to tune a guitar
– ability to work in an industry not related to music, art, theater or fashion
– ability to order hot beverages with less than 15 syllables

From there I found a link to Burg TV. More ingenious hipster madness!

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I really don’t hate hipsters. It’s just too much fun to mock them.

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